News

Schools in Colorado are trying to find effective ways to teach the health effects of marijuana use.

When Pot Goes From Illegal To Recreational, Schools Face A Dilemma

11:21am February 24, 2015

by Bente Birkeland

Since Colorado legalized marijuana use, some schools in the state are starting to change how they teach students about the drug in health class. Educators worry students are receiving mixed messages.

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When Kids Think Parents Play Favorites, It Can Spell Trouble

11:21am February 24, 2015

by Nancy Shute

When children think they're being slighted, it can lead to risky behavior as teenagers, a study finds. Having warm, respectful relationships helps counteract the claim, "You always liked her best!"

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Botanists say this plant is the fern equivalent of a human-lemur love child.

'Weird' Fern Shows The Power Of Interspecies Sex

9:48am February 24, 2015

by Geoff Brumfiel

Two species of fern that diverged 60 million years ago are as evolutionarily distant as, say, elephants and manatees. Nonetheless, the two species recently produced a hybrid, say astounded botanists.

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A child plays near Russia-backed separatists in Donetsk, Ukraine, Monday. Separatists say they've begun to withdraw heavy weapons from the front line â a claim that monitors say they can't verify.

World News

Separatists In Ukraine Say They're Pulling Heavy Weapons Back

8:32am February 24, 2015

by Bill Chappell

In a claim that's meeting with skepticism in Kiev, Russian-backed separatists say they've started to withdraw heavy weapons in eastern Ukraine, as required by a recent cease-fire.

#NPRreads: If You've Got 2016 Winners Penciled In, Think Again

7:28am February 24, 2015

by Tamara Keith

Political scientists say it won't be all the political tussling that will predict a new president in 2016. Instead, look at the economy.

Late last month, a scuffle cut short a St. Louis Board of Aldermen meeting where a committee was to discuss a proposed civilian review board for the city's police force.

National

Police Are Learning To Accept Civilian Oversight, But Distrust Lingers

1:33am February 24, 2015

by Martin Kaste

More than 200 civilian review boards investigate police misconduct in cities across the United States. Reformers say they're essential. But officers tend to be wary of them.

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Sears — the Apple of its day for disruption and innovation — sold its own car from 1908 to 1912, before ceding the market to Ford and others. According to one expert, there hasn't been a successful new entrant into the industry in nearly a century. Th

National

Apple Must 'Think Different' On Cars, Or Join Ranks Of Failed New Brands

10:04pm February 23, 2015

by Sonari Glinton

Apple has formed a secret team to design and prototype an electric car, according to numerous reports. While Apple may have the technological chops, the odds are stacked against startup car companies.

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Relatives and supporters of Egyptian activist Alaa Abdel Fattah react after Monday's verdict in a trial over an illegal protest.

World News

Egyptian Court Orders Prominent Activist Jailed For 5 Years

7:56pm February 23, 2015

by Leila Fadel

Blogger Alaa Abdel Fattah and 24 others were convicted of violating a law banning unlicensed protests. Activists said the sentences underscore the lengths the government will go to to stifle dissent.

In Africa, land that borders forests is increasingly used for farming.

Good News: More Crops! Bad News: More Plague!

7:40pm February 23, 2015

by Poncie Rutsch

Tiny patches of Tanzanian farmland contain more rats than do nearby forests. These rats are more likely to carry the bacteria that cause the plague in humans.

Michael Keaton is up for an Academy Award for his performance in Birdman. The movie's original score, despite receiving critical acclaim, was declared ineligible for Oscar consideration.

In Oscar Nominations For Best Score, Some Hear Sour Notes

6:46pm February 23, 2015

by Joel Rose

The distinctive music in the movie Birdman will not win an Oscar — in fact, it wasn't even nominated. Like other acclaimed film scores from years past, it didn't comply with academy rules.

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